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Tony Witt returning to Royal for show with Branson artist

Some tickets remain for Friday night's concert featuring Tony Witt, an international award-winning Elvis tribute artist, and Branson entertainer "Sting" Ray Anthony.
The show begins at 7 p.m. at the Royal Theatre in Downtown Benton.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and may be purchased in advance by calling KingSized Entertainment at 501-952-6005 or by visiting: www.tonywitt.com.
Witt, who has performed numerous times to sold-out crowds here and in other locations, invites area residents to this performance in which he is joining his friend and fellow Branson '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll entertainer Anthony.
Witt promises "an evening of fun and great entertainment."
Witt has received numerous honors for his Elvis tribute performances and recently received second place in the Images of The King International Tribute Artist Championship in Memphis, Tenn., during Elvis Week 2012.
Witt also received The Spirit of Elvis Award, which is voted on by the fans and his peers, for his humanitarian efforts, actions and attitude.
"Winning second place at an international competition is an awesome honor and accomplishment, when you consider how many great performers there are in the (Elvis) tribute business these days," Witt said. "However, I was completely surprised and I treasure the Spirit of Elvis award.
"To me there is no greater honor than to be recognized by your peers and the folks that fill the seats. I am deeply blessed and honored to receive such a humbling award."
Witt has been involved in the tribute business for 23 years.
Witt said Anthony will be performing his "Juke Box Rock" tribute to '50s and '60's rock 'n' roll.
He described Anthony as "a charismatic entertainer in the music industry that touches each of us."
"He is a gifted musician — a self-taught guitarist, bass player, drummer, pianist, songwriter and singer— captivating millions of rock 'n' roll fans taking them back to the good ol' days of rock 'n' roll," Witt added.
Ray reportedly discovered rock 'n' roll at the age of 7, while watching Elvis Presley on television. Inspired by Elvis, he says he would "stand in front of a mirror shaking his leg just like the king of rock 'n' roll, never dreaming that he would eventually come to know and work with a number of the legendary musicians and singers who worked with Elvis Presley: Charlie Hodge, JD Sumner and the Stamps, DJ Fontana, and The Jordanaires."
Another recent accomplishment for Anthony has been working at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson, where he has performed '50s and '60s music with such well-known original rock 'n' roll artists as Bobby Vee, Fabian, Shirley Alston Reeves, Little Peggy March, Chubby Checker, Danny and the Juniors, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Johnny Preston, the original Comets, Diamond Dave Sommerville (the original lead singer of The Diamonds), and Bill Medley.
"Ray has also become widely recognized for his unparalleled tribute to Ritchie Valens," Witt said.
With his resemblance to Lou Diamond Phillips in the l987 film "La Bamba" and his live guitar playing, he has developed a "Ritchie" tribute that has been highly endorsed by the Valens estate. He has also become close to Ritchie Valens' family.
Erma Valenzuela reportedly said, "Every time I see Ray perform, I tear up."